NEWS
FCT, Lagos, Ogun Communities Ignore Lockdown Order
Residents of some communities in the Federal Capital Territory, Ogun and Lagos states on Sunday violated the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari’ s ( retd. ) lockdown order .
On Saturday and Sunday, our correspondents in the FCT observed that although there was compliance with the order within the Abuja metropolis , residents of its suburbs , who cited hunger , went out contrary to the government ’ s directive .
In Ogun State , the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako- Oyedele , in a statement on Sunday, decried the level of compliance in the Ado -Odo /Ota Local Government Area .
Residents of Lagos areas such as Iyana -Ipaja , Ketu and Alapare cited hunger for violating the lockdown.
The President had , in a nationwide broadcast on February 29, imposed 14- day lockdown on the FCT, Lagos and Ogun states to curb the spread of COVID- 19 cases, which increased to 232 on Sunday.
Security men disperse traders at Kuje market
In the FCT , security personnel consisting of the police and the Federal Road Safety Corps officials chased away traders from Kuje market in the Kuje Area Council on Sunday.
One of our correspondents, who was in the area between 2pm and 3pm, observed that while the market was locked , traders displayed their goods at its entrance .
On sighting the security men, some traders took to their heels and abandoned their wares which included clothes , food and cosmetics .
However , the security men were civil with those who had the courage to stay behind . They appealed to the traders to respect the sit- at – home order .
A barber, who gave his name simply as Tunde, was working in his shop not far away from the market .
He told The PUNCH that security men regularly patrolled the area to enforce the order.
He said , “ The security officials, especially policemen, have been coming here very often. Some of them insist that I close my shop , but others allow me after convincing them that mine is an essential service . ”
Okada riders defy lockdown order in Kubwa
Commercial motorcycle riders , popularly known as okada in Kubwa , one of the major satellite towns in Abuja , defied the lockdown.
Okada riders were seen in most of the streets in Kubwa on Sunday, as they moved passengers from one location to another .
On the Arab Road , Byazhim, Kubwa Village Market , among other areas, for instance, the riders transported passengers who patronised them.
On why he was not obeying the lockdown , a rider , Umar Gambo , told one of our correspondents that it “ was difficult” for him to stay indoor continuously because he needed to fend for his family.
The rate of compliance in Bwari on Sunday was not as high as it was when the lockdown started last week.
One of our correspondents, who went around Bwari between 1pm and 2pm, observed that many shops, markets , filling stations and pharmacies were opened .
Unlike the first two days when the roads were almost empty, there were movements of vehicles and commercial motorcycles .
Taxi drivers devise means of flouting order
Taxi drivers in the FCT , particularly in the Dei- Dei and Zuba areas, started work on Sunday
The PUNCH observed many taxi drivers resorted to wearing face masks and conveyed three passengers on the back seats, while squeezing two others in front .
In Zuba , it was observed that the drivers had increased their fares . It was gathered that they bribed policemen in order to operate, particularly from late afternoon and evening .
“ We cannot stay at home . We have to eat . We should wear face masks. I think that is enough. Some of the policemen are cooperative . They also understand that we cannot survive without working, ” a driver, Sanni Ahmed, said .
Hunger preventing us from observing lockdown – Lagos residents
Residents of communities in Lagos State told The PUNCH that hunger was responsible for their noncompliance with the lockdown .
While some residents observed the stay – home- order, others, including commercial motorists, were seen flouting the directive. They cited different reasons including hunger and illnesses when accosted by law enforcement agents.
When asked why she decided to disobey the stay – home directive , one Iya Rukayat , a bag seller in Ketu , said hunger prompted her to display her bags for sale. She added that she fed her family from her daily income.
She said , “ At first , I observed the order, but it got to a point that there was no money to feed my family, so I had to come out to sell my bags. I just started displaying my goods this morning and I have not made any sale . I cannot just stay at home when my family is hungry .”
Speaking on condition of anonymity, another resident of the Alapere, said she had not benefitted from the foodstuffs donated by state government .
At Berger, Iyana -Ipaja . Igando, Iba, Iyana- Iba and Mile 2, motorcyclists , ( Okada); tricyclists ( Keke ) and traders were seen working without being disturbed by security men .
Ogun street urchins, cultists defy lockdown
In Ogun State, street urchins, cultists and some traders defied the sit-at – home order.
The lockdown, which commenced in the state on Friday night, recorded substantial compliance in many parts , but some residents of Sango – Ota and Ewekoro did not stay at home
Some miscreants in Ota defied the restriction of movement in the area while scrambling for foodstuffs donated by the state government .
An eye witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the miscreants besieged the Ado -Odo / Ota Local Government headquarters following an announcement that foodstuffs would be shared in the place.
According to the source , the miscreants ran amok when they failed to get their share of the foodstuffs .
The deputy governor , in a statement by her press officer, Seun Boye, frowned upon the poor level of compliance by some residents of the local government area.
She was said to be on an assessment of the Ado – Odo / Ota and the Yewa South Local Government areas.
She said , “ On the violators, I have met with Ota Area ( police ) commander on my way and let me reiterate that the law must be obeyed and nobody would be spared.
“ We will also continue to engage our law enforcement agencies to make sure that they support us to be able to achieve our mission. ”
Also, the cultists in the Ifo Local Government Area of the state defied the restriction of movements in the area when they clashed.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, while confirming the incident , said the cultists made a mess of the order.
He said the clash between two rival groups claimed one life. He added that four people had been arrested.
Source:- Punch ng
NEWS
Focox AT Officially Signs with Lucky Lisiano Records in Landmark Deal That Redefines Artist Empowerment
In a move that is already sending shockwaves through the Afrobeats and global music communities, rising force Focox AT has officially signed with Lucky Lisiano Records (LLR). The contract is being widely described as one of the most artist-favorable deals ever put on paper — a rare, heavily enriched agreement that prioritizes the artist’s long-term ownership, creative control, and financial upside in ways rarely seen in modern label partnerships.
Based in Warri, Nigeria, Focox AT brings a distinctive sound and unfiltered energy that has been building momentum across the continent. Lucky Lisiano Records, headquartered in the United States, recognized the unique opportunity and moved decisively. The resulting partnership is being called “promising and unique” by both camps — a genuine bridge between Warri’s raw creative fire and LLR’s international infrastructure.
Under the new agreement, Focox AT will begin the partnership with two singles, followed by a full EP scheduled for release in the new year. Both artist and label have expressed strong excitement about the road ahead, describing the union as a true meeting of vision rather than a standard transactional signing.
There has also been growing talk of Lucky Lisiano Records establishing a physical headquarters in Nigeria, though no official timeline has been confirmed. Industry observers note that such a move would mark a significant expansion for the U.S.-based label and further solidify its commitment to African talent. With the first single expected August 14th 2026 and the EP locked in for mid 2027, both sides are already looking ahead. The consensus is clear: this partnership is built for impact. 2027 is shaping up to be a year of serious momentum.
About Focox AT
Focox AT is an emerging Nigerian artist from Warri whose music blends street authenticity with forward-leaning Afrobeats energy. His signing to Lucky Lisiano Records marks a major new chapter.
About Lucky Lisiano Records
Lucky Lisiano Records is a U.S.-based independent label focused on developing distinctive global talent with strong emphasis on artist-first partnerships.
NEWS
Agwu Taiwo Uchechi “Babypearl” Emerges Winner of AFROMAICA 3.0 July Edition Reggae Dancehall Queen
Agwu Taiwo Uchechi “Babypearl” Emerges Winner of AFROMAICA 3.0 July Edition Reggae Dancehall Queen
Nigeria’s vibrant dancehall scene has recorded another remarkable milestone as Agwu Taiwo Uchechi, popularly known as Babypearl, emerged the winner of the highly anticipated AFROMAICA 3.0 July Edition Dancehall Queen Competition.
Representing Nigeria with confidence, charisma, and electrifying stage presence, Babypearl outshined other contestants from different backgrounds to clinch the prestigious Reggae Dancehall Queen crown at the just-concluded edition of AFROMAICA, Nigeria’s leading monthly urban reggae and dancehall party.
Her exceptional performance captivated both the judges and the audience, showcasing impressive dance skills, creativity, and a deep understanding of reggae and urban dancehall culture. Her victory not only earned her the coveted title but also further established her as one of Nigeria’s fast-rising reggae dancehall entertainers.
AFROMAICA 3.0 once again lived up to its reputation as a premier platform dedicated to celebrating urban reggae and dancehall music, culture, fashion, and dance while discovering and empowering emerging talents across Africa. The success of the July edition was further strengthened by the invaluable support of TM Luxury Apartments and Cove Apartments, whose partnership played a vital role in delivering another memorable and well-organized event. Their commitment to supporting entertainment and youth-driven initiatives contributed significantly to the overall success of the event.
Babypearl’s triumph marks a proud moment for Nigeria, reinforcing the country’s growing influence in the African urban reggae and dancehall community. Her success is expected to open new opportunities for collaborations, performances, and greater recognition within the entertainment industry.
As congratulations continue to pour in from fans, colleagues, and industry stakeholders, Babypearl’s victory stands as an inspiration to aspiring dancers and performers, proving that dedication, consistency, and passion remain the keys to success.
AFROMAICA continues to cement its status as Nigeria’s foremost platform for urban reggae and dancehall culture, bringing together outstanding talents and passionate supporters to elevate the genre across the continent.
See Exclusive photos below
For sponsorship, partnership, and brand collaboration opportunities with AFROMAICA, interested organizations and individuals are encouraged to get in touch with the organizers on +2347067054190 +2348178599854 +2348023241089 to become part of Nigeria’s fastest-growing reggae and dancehall movement.
NEWS
SOUNDOUTTV in Collaboration with COBYL CITY – Unveils SOUNDOUT LIVE Edition 2 with Over ₦900,000+ in Career-Boosting Prizes for emerging artists.
Aspiring artists across Delta State have another opportunity to showcase their talent as SOUNDOUTTV officially unveils SOUNDOUT LIVE Edition 2, the second edition of its online music talent competition.
With over ₦900,000+ in career-boosting prizes, industry exposure, and artist development opportunities up for grabs, this year’s edition is set to spotlight some of the state’s most promising emerging talents.
COBYL CITY joins this second edition as the official production partner behind the competition beat and select artist development rewards. The official competition beat, produced by Berry IV for COBYL CITY LTD, will be released on August 1, 2026, officially opening the competition.
Known for its growing commitment to talent development and creative excellence, COBYL CITY’s contribution extends beyond the competition itself, giving contestants access to professional production opportunities that reward not only performance but also artistic potential.
A Platform for Emerging Talent
Participants are invited to record either a freestyle or an original song using the official competition beat, giving artists a platform to showcase their creativity, originality, and performance skills before a wider audience.
Prize Packages
The SOUNDOUT LIVE Champion will receive an outstanding artist development package, including:
• Official Champion Award
• Professional Performance Session
• Artist Interview and Introduction Video
• Professional Photo Session
• Short Visualizer by P-YoungsMedia
• Exclusive Beat License by COBYL CITY LTD
• Professional Studio Recording Session by COBYL CITY
• Free 24-Hour Hotel Accommodation
• Customized Champion Merchandise
• Additional Gifts from Sponsors
The second-place winner will receive a professional performance package, customized merchandise, and an official Certificate of Achievement, while the third-place winner will receive a performance session and featured artist interview.
How to Participate
Eligible artists in Delta State can enter by:
• Downloading the official competition beat on August 1, 2026
• Recording a freestyle or original song
• Creating a performance video
• Posting the video on Instagram or TikTok, tagging @soundouttv
• Submitting the same entry through the official SOUNDOUT WhatsApp Group
Only one official entry is permitted per contestant.
Fair Competition. Real Opportunities.
Voting will be conducted exclusively through the official SOUNDOUT LIVE voting platform. Each supporter may cast up to 33 votes per contestant, while any attempt to manipulate votes or violate the competition rules will result in immediate disqualification.
More than just a competition, SOUNDOUT LIVE Edition 2 is designed to spotlight emerging talent and create genuine pathways into the music industry. As part of its collaboration, COBYL CITY powers the official competition beat, produced by Berry IV, and contributes exclusive production rewards for the competition’s eventual winner.
Important Dates
• Official Beat Release: August 1, 2026
• Submission Deadline: To Be Announced
• Public Voting: Opens After Submissions
With the official beat dropping on August 1, anticipation is building for another exciting edition of SOUNDOUT LIVE. Artists are encouraged to follow @soundouttv, prepare their entries, and seize the opportunity to gain valuable exposure, professional development, and industry recognition.
Let the Talent Shine. Let the Fans Decide.
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